General News
2 August, 2023
From Noorat, with love
THE students behind the Hands on Learning team at Noorat Primary school have donated their newest project to assist Hawkesdale and District family services.
THE students behind the Hands on Learning team at Noorat Primary school have donated their newest project to assist Hawkesdale and District family services.
The team built a large birdhouse which was donated to Hawkesdale and District family services to boost their bush kinder initiative.
Hands on Learning (Hol) artesian teacher David Holscher said it was a great feeling to be able to help the kinder out.
“The Hawkesdale and District family services centre were searching for somewhere to buy a large birdhouse,” he said.
“I saw the ad and asked our group of kids at Noorat if they were interested in trying to make one.
“Our HoL team consists of Aidan, Harper, Callum and Harry.
“They were very keen to take on the opportunity.”
Mr Holscher said the bird house project started off by collecting some old fence palings which would form the foundations of the sustainable project.
“The kids were very excited to be using handsaws and sanders to bring the old timber back to life,” he said.
“The construction began with Harry mastering the drill to create pilot holes to stop the fine timber splitting, while Callum, Aidan and Harper nailed it together.
“While gluing and screwing parts the kids were very keen on having a go at using the tools.
“After our third week we decided to put on an extension to what was changing from a birdhouse to a bird castle, or mansion.”
Mr Holscher said students wanted the opportunity to deliver the bird mansion in person.
“We headed off to Hawkesdale and to the amazement of the educators and kids we presented the project to them,” he said.
“They were overjoyed with how well it came up and were very keen to know if we sell them as they wanted three more for themselves”.
Noorat Primary School principal Ilona Watkins said she was a strong supporter of the program.
“I love that we can provide students from Years 3-6 a unique learning opportunity that is not often offered to primary school students,” she said.
“Our students look forward to being a part of the Hands on Learning team from when they start school.
“The program is designed to provide hands on learning opportunities by planning and creating various things to benefit our school, the community and give back.
“The joy and anticipation of creating and delivering a project to another group brings a real sense of pride to the students involved.”